We are in the process of changing blogging platforms to bring you a more interactive and user friendly experience. Please excuse our silence from June 22-June 30 and stay tuned for the new blog on July 1. Follow our new blog at blog.mass.gov starting July 1, 2013. Thank you for... Continue reading

Nothing says summer in the U. S. like a sizzling BBQ. The weather is fine and it’s time to get back to nature by cooking over an open flame in the backyards and campgrounds of Massachusetts. Whether you’re firing up the coals, gas grill, or a good old-fashioned campfire, outdoor... Continue reading

The sun is out and New Englanders are ready to bask in its glory. People are taking shorts and t-shirts out of storage, and caravans of sun-starved families and friends are heading to the beach. And while the summer heat is welcome after a long, chilly winter, there are risks... Continue reading

Summer means it’s time to hit the beach! Exploring a seaside locale or heading to your local swimming hole are great, inexpensive ways to beat the heat. Plan ahead to ensure a safe and fun day on the waterfront. 1. Choose a location Massachusetts is gifted with many ocean and... Continue reading

Eating healthily and supporting local farmers can decrease your waistline, your carbon footprint, and strengthen your connection with your community. Massachusetts farmers are as abundant as the offerings they produce, so add some local flavor to your meals by purchasing direct from the source at a farmers’ market near you... Continue reading

School will be out for summer vacation soon, but that doesn’t mean learning has to end. Summer is an excellent time for children and adults alike to indulge in a good book. Take a book to the beach, on a camping trip, or on your morning commute and escape into... Continue reading

In December 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Massachusetts Senator John Kerry to fill the role of Secretary of State following Hillary Clinton’s retirement, and Kerry accepted, leaving his Senate seat vacant. The special election to fill this seat will be held on June 25th; in order to vote, Massachusetts residents... Continue reading

Massachusetts has a history of supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, and in 2004 became the first state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage with passage of the Marriage Equality Act. The LGBT civil rights movement is widely considered to have begun in June 1969 when police... Continue reading

There’s nothing like the freedom and exhilaration of riding a motorcycle, but if you are not prepared it can be dangerous. Awareness of your limitations and your surroundings will help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Before you swing your leg over the saddle to hit the open road, consider these... Continue reading

Founded by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, National Missing Children’s Day (May 25th) was dedicated to highlight the problem of abducted and missing children. Few situations are more troubling than when a child goes missing; fortunately, there are ways to improve the safety of children when parents aren’t around. Take25.org,... Continue reading

On May 5, 1866, residents of Waterloo, New York held a ceremony to honor local fallen Civil War soldiers. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and Congress declared that ceremony the birthplace of Memorial Day. It wasn’t until an act of Congress in 1971 that Memorial Day, which commemorates the men... Continue reading

May is Mental Health Month and Mental Health America has chosen the theme “Pathways to Wellness” for 2013. Wellness refers to maintaining a balance of healthy physical, mental, and social well-being. Wellness is more than just NOT being sick; having a wellness plan can actually prevent illness and shorten the... Continue reading

New Englanders are finally shedding their heavy winter coats, and skirts, shorts, and sunbathing are just around the corner. With temperatures on the rise, more skin is being exposed to the sun which increases the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer. According the American Cancer Society, skin... Continue reading

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services indicates stroke as the third leading cause of death in the United States. National Stroke Awareness Month, initiated by former President George Bush in 1989, is designed to encourage awareness of stroke, its warning signs and tips for prevention. Read on, because... Continue reading

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride,” U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said. This month, experience the joy he experienced by hitting the road during National Bike Month. Bicycling is not only a fun leisure activity, it is also an excellent way to commute, reduce your... Continue reading

The American Nurses Association (ANA) describes nursing as “an art and a science;” it takes a unique blend of dedication, compassion, and understanding to comfort the sick and make people feel good when they’re ill or in pain. Anyone who’s spent time in the hospital can recognize the special role... Continue reading

Spring is a popular time to think about purchasing a home, and as a first-time homebuyer in Massachusetts, you may have questions about the process. Luckily, there are state and federal programs to help you through it, including assistance with down payments – being a low- to moderate-income household does... Continue reading

Making it in today’s job market requires preparation and perseverance. With a little hard work, dedication, and help from Massachusetts’ One-Stop Career Centers, you can be well on your way to the career of your dreams! What services do the One-Stop Career Centers offer? Job search assistance and coaching Online... Continue reading

Last week, the people of Boston, the Commonwealth, and our nation were stunned by the tragedy that struck the Boston Marathon. In the wake of these events, people throughout Massachusetts and around the world united to support those affected by the bombings: people who had just finished running 26.2 miles... Continue reading

Dear Mr. Moore, per the Department of Public Health: Tewksbury Hospital is more than ready to accept patients from the Boston hospitals for further rehab as is Shattuck. They have not received inquiries yet but anticipate more referrals this week. Thank you.

The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an offi...

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino
announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is
to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that
unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon. Visit www.onefundboston.org to donate.

The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an offi...

The events of yesterday were shocking and distressing to us all and reaching out for help is important for healing. The Federal Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy. This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is also available via SMS (text TalkWithUs to 66746) to anyone experiencing psychological distress as a result of this event.

The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an offi...

The Boston Marathon tragedy has put the city, state, country and world on alert. Anyone affected by the blasts, whether trying to locate loved ones or figuring out how to navigate the city will find the resources below a helpful guide. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has released an official statement;... Continue reading

The “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired 236 years ago and marked the beginning of America’s battle for independence. Massachusetts celebrates this fight for liberty on the third Monday in April with Patriots Day, a state holiday. Not only does Patriot’s Day commemorate the events that began America’s journey... Continue reading

Yes, in Massachusetts independent voters are considered unenrolled and as such you may vote for either party in the primary. Those registered as Democrat or Republican may only vote for their affiliated party in the primary election.

President Barack Obama nominated Senator John Kerry to fill the role of Secretary of State following Hillary Clinton’s retirement, and Kerry accepted, leaving his seat vacant. The primary election to fill Senator Kerry’s seat in the U. S. Senate takes place on April 30th. In order to vote in th...